So when I first got onto this website I had "one" problem but the more and more I pay attention to the beginning issue I realize that it may be more complex than I thought. So, Im going to give all of the details of this "issue" and maybe someone who is more durango savvy than me can put them all together and we can come up with a fix. So, Ive got a 1998 dodge durango, its got the 5.9L magnum engine 4x4. (in case thats important) I noticed about a week ago that the dinger/alarm was going on whenever and wherever it felt like it, I payed a little closer attention and realized that most of the time when the dinger bell goes on, my RPM's jump way up where they shouldnt be. I do not have a dummy light on inside my dash, I also noticed yesterday while driving on the highway that the bell went on, the truck bogged down and my RPM's went from 2000-ish to about 3000RPM's, it almost felt as if the damn thing shifted out of overdrive, without me doing anything but press the accelerator. I know that the transmission was replaced about 12,000 miles ago so I sure hope thats not the problem. =) I did replace the battery and the cables with no improvement. I also ran a "self test" that someone showed me on here and was not able to come up with any codes of any kind. Im not sure how this really works and hope Im not pissing anyone off because I have two posts right now, they are basically the same but I thought Id try to give all the info at once in case someone might be able to link them all together if I dont give bits and pieces of whats going on. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

I know it was mentioned in the other thread but, are you 100% sure all of your warning lights have working bulbs.. Most importantly the "Check Engine" light?

I also have a '98 and a few months ago i also had an issue where my RPM's would shoot up to about 3500-4000 and then come back down to 2000 or so. I replaced the throttle position sensor and it seems to have went away.. maybe that could be the issue?? also, i came on the forums asking for advise to the issue and someone said something about the overdrive unit and there being 3 sensors in the trans. that are common failures... maybe someone could chime in about that again??

hope that helps,

old school

 

IIRC the Check Engine light doesn't cause a ding... Mine doesn't anyway.

 

The cluster when it see a problem will make a ding sound. The washer,check gauges, door ajar, seat belt waring and even the check engine light will cause the ding sound. I would have the cluster check for any stored codes.

 

+1 .... even if the guys at Autozone told you it be worthless i would still have them do it anyways.. If they won't i would go somewhere that will.

 

Master Tech, would the gov. pressure sensor, 3-4 shift solenoid being bad cause her RPM's to rise and fall while driving down the highway like she was saying???

 

Ok, new symptom? Explanation? I got the truck back from the shop today and after 2 FULL tanks of gas and 6 hrs of labor UGH, they still have no clue..However, I just realized that every time I drop my durango off at the shop I always take the face to my stereo and they say we drove the hell out of it and it didnt ding, not once! Now, when I drove it home tonight I didnt put the face back on thinking that they are full of crap because I cant drive one mile without the damn "ding". Now, I drove all the way home with no tunes and lo and behold...NO DING! So, Im not sure what this means...Maybe, there is a crossed wire or something? I did have all the dash lights checked and they all work, bulbs good I just dont see them because they arent needed, I guess. Ah well, if anyone has an idea, Id appreciate it. Ive spent $200 in gas for the shop to drive my truck around not to mention all the $100 "labor fees", for driving it around all damn day so I really would like to not have to take her back in. Thanks guys!

 

if removing the faceplate from the radio results in the ding going away i would say something is either bad with the wiring for the radio, or internally for the radio itself that is causing a fault to be 'detected' weather it is really there or not. im not 100% sure how the wiring goes but that is where i would be looking.

or leave the faceplate on and let them take it for a drive, im sure they arent goingt o steal your radio, they want your $$

 

Thank you for the reply about the stereo and wiring. Im pretty sure they dont want my stereo either=) Now, we check for touching wires. If it works out, I'll be sure to share just in case someone experiences this one day too.

 

Old School
The 3/4 solenoid could cause the RPM to jump up and down, But so could the TPS and The brake light switch. If the torque converter is locking and unlocking when driving the RPM will go up and down too.